Korean Air has inked a massive deal worth 11 trillion won ($9.33 billion) with Boeing to introduce 30 B787 passenger jets to bulk up its fleet for mid- to long-haul operations.

According to industry sources on Wednesday, the country’s largest full-service carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. aircraft manufacturer to purchase 10 B787-10 planes, 10 B787-9s and lease another 10 B787-10s during the International Paris Air Show in France on Tuesday. Both did not disclose the deal value but it could reach up to 11 trillion won given the current market price and lease terms.

The B787-10 capable of accommodating 330 passengers, about 40 more than the 787-9 airplane, is the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family. The B787-9s will be delivered in 2020 and the B787-10s from the following year.

With the new orders, the Korean national flag carrier will be operating a total of 40 B787 Dreamliners, including 10 existing ones. The 787-10 family is 68 meters long, 5.5 meters more than the 787-9. Cargo capacity is up by 20 cubic meters.

Powered by a suite of new technologies and the use of carbon composite materials in more than half of the fuselage, the 787-10 set a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics. Korean Air’s latest investment aims to replace aging airplanes and to enhance the competitiveness of its long-haul services in North American and Asia Pacific routes.​

By Jeon Kyung-woon and Minu Kim

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